Colonoscopy

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Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy

• Bowel perforation (hole), requiring a repair operation (less than 2 out of 1,000 tests)
• Heavy or persistent bleeding from biopsy or polyp-removal sites (1 out of 1,000 tests)
• Adverse reaction to sedative medication, causing breathing problems or low blood pressure (4 out of 10,000 tests)
• Infection requiring antibiotic therapy (very rare)
• Nausea, vomiting, bloating, or rectal irritation caused by medicines, taken by mouth, that cleanse the bowel

You must sign an informed consent form. Several hours rest is recommended after the test. To replace fluids lost because of laxatives and fasting, drink plenty of liquids after the test.

Review Date: 05/08/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.